it's free! Is anybody there?
BK MAGAZINE NO. 587 FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2015. www.bkmagazine.com
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page 3 6 cover story
Bar Crawl
10 escapes
14 fashion
Eastern Seaboard
New in Store
16 home
20 bites
Home Front
Mexican May Day 22 bites
31 last word
The Great Indoors
Building Change
4 4 . Art
Who's in charge? General Manager Andrew Hiransomboon
Advertising Director Wanida Akeapichai Sales Manager Tipkritta Chiraporncharas Senior Sales Associates Tassanee Mahamad, Orajira Sukkasem, Onwara Sittirug, Waranuch Thaneerat, Nattaya Bovornsettanon, Orakarn Laohakanjanasiri Junior Sales Associate Doungporn Wanasinchai
Managing Editor, Product Director Gr goire Glachant Managing Editor Oliver Irvine Deputy Editor Carl Dixon Features Associate Monruedee Jansuttipan Senior Staff Writer Vasachol Quadri Staff Writer Pinnyada Tanitnon Junior Content Coordinator Nontaya Kumyat Junior Writers Lily Kittisrikangwan, Natcha Sanguankiattichai, Sam Nathapong
Regional Marketing Manager Pavida Chitprasertsuk Marketing Executive, Creative Services Puttipat Teerakawongsakul
Administrator Yaovaluck Srisermsri Accountant Manita Bangmoung Contributors Rob Brezsny, Kathy MacLeod Interns Kwanwalai Rodsaward, Soravis Laopadolkij, Dharath Hoonchamlong, Arisa Wiwatsomwong, Natchaya Angsatitanan Cover by Dechart Sangsawang
IT Manager Takrit Jitjaroen
Production Supervisor Komkrit Klinkaeo Art Director Dechart Sangsawang Senior Graphic Designer Panita Thiraphapong Graphic Designers Chantich Kongchanmitkul, Peeraya Sirathanisa Junior Graphic Designers Nemintorn Ketkeaw, Wariya Whangwaewklang
Distribution Executive Suda Angsuputiphant
Group Directors
Finance Manager Supaporn Bangmoung Assistant Finance Manager Anchalee Limkhamduang Senior Accountant Maneeya Kanthongdang
Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia-city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan duncann@asia-city.com.sg
Where to find us!
The Asia City Publishing Group Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02-624-9696 Fax: 02-237-5656 Email: bkmagazine@asia-city.co.th
Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07-02 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65-6323-2512 Fax: 65-6323-2779 Email: contact@asia-city.com.sg
Kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd Lot 2.44-2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60-3-2144-4886 Fax: 60-3-2141-1911
BK “Asia City Living” Magazine is edited by Andrew Hiransomboon and published 51 times a year, every Friday of each month by Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. The titles “BK Magazine,” “BK ‘Asia City Living’ Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of BK “Asia City Living” Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. Article reprints are available for B50 each. The magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd. Contact the Advertising Department for ad rates and specifications. All advertising must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by Comform Co.,Ltd. 212 Moo 13 Krungthepkreetha Rd., Saphansoong, Bangkok 10250
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@bkmagazine BK Magazine Friday, May 1, 2015
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upfront HOT OR NOT
Hot: Places that don’t Not: Real pop-ups last long “Hey this place sounds awesome. Let’s go!” you say. “Oh, they’re closed already actually,” your friend replies. OK, Bangkok has always had a pretty rapid turnover but we wish we’d had had the time for at least one meal at Origin, or a beer at Estrella, or steak and ice cream at Steak and Ice Cream. So if you hear of a new place, hurry, it might turn into a pop-up before you know it.
Hot: Stu-Fe vibes
Not: Friends of the owner
Come on, your buddies just managed to squeeze B10 million out of their parents to open a new bar complete with attached glasshouse annex and rapidly dying ferns. Have a heart and put some money in the till. Don’t just sit there talking about trips to Niseko, drinking the Hibiki 17 and putting off paying customers. For these very reasons, we’ll be avoiding half the new bars in town and drinking in Baan Puen—the closest place yet to the dearly-missed Stu-Fe (see page 10).
STREET TALK For decades, controversy has surrounded the zoo on the rooftop of Pata Mall in Bang Phlat. But last August the zoo’s license was renewed despite netizens’ efforts to shut it down. Most of the criticism has been directed at the living conditions of Bua Noi, a 27-year-old female gorilla. Here, Kanit Sermsirimongkol, Pata Zoo’s director, discusses problems with Thailand’s zoo industry, and reveals his plans for Bua Noi’s future. Do you see a problem with the conditions in which the animals at Pata Zoo are kept?
Hot: Bananas
Not: Stealing ideas
Tokyo Banana gets ripped off by Siam Banana. Then Siam Banana allegedly gets ripped off by CP. Social media drama ensues. Our lawyers tell us we shouldn’t comment on this, but can we at least note how disgusting Tokyo Banana is? Why would anyone copy it? What’s wrong with actual bananas? Has everyone gone bananas? OK, we’ll get our coat now.
Our rooftop zoo is not a problem. Before opening, we only selected animals that were suitable for a rooftop zoo; we consulted zoologists and veterinarians about which species we could possibly raise under these conditions. They have been treated well. The enclosures are kept clean by our staff. The floor for Bua Noi’s enclosure is concrete because soil in Southeast Asia can absorb bacteria and generate the infection known as soilborne melioidosis, which is fatal to gorillas. Do you sympathize with the concerns of animal welfare activists who criticize an indoor zoo that keeps primates in isolated confinement?
Hot: Japanese produce Not: Local produce Thai food is not good enough. At least that’s the message we’re getting from all the chefs opening high-end Thai restaurants right now, which just don’t seem to think their menus are complete without a liberal dose of taraba, Kobe beef and akami—straight from Tsukiji, of course (see page 22 for the latest). It’s all another hammer-blow to this country’s locavore farm-to-table movement.
internet and help spread wrong information. We call them lok-suay (blind optimistics); people whose single-mindedness thinks that animals should not be kept in enclosures. The lok-suay don’t just have problems with us but with other zoos too, no matter how well they treat their animals. It’s these people who started an online campaign to try and destroy us. Government officers came here and checked and found that we take good care of our animals, so the claims have been dismissed. Is the zoo profitable? We get by. You know that running a zoo is not the kind of business that gives huge profi t s e v e r y y e a r. W e h a v e t o admit, the zoo business in Thailand is not in a perfect condition.
What does Bua Noi’s future hold? We have been taking care of Bua Noi for more than 20 years. We treat her like our own daughter. But, eventually we will have to find her a suitable new home. Bua Noi has been under our care since she was a baby, so immediately releasing her back to the wild is not a proper solution. It takes a lot of hard work to teach an animal how to survive on its own after years living in an enclosure. But it is crucial. Other zoos have done it while monitoring the animal’s well-being in the wild. I strongly hope that we are capable of doing it, and that she can do it too. Interview by Sam Nathapong
No, I don’t. Especially people who believe everything they see on the
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THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
by Kathy MacLeod kathymacleod.blogspot.com
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cover story
NEW NIGHTLIFE Eleven brand new bars to check out this May. By Vasachol Quadri
Moire Bar
HYPE
22 STEPS BAR
From the Bollywood-themed Bombay Blues and Desi Beats to the classic Bangkok Bar Infinity and fancy shisha bar Glam, Opus Building is something of a one-stop nightlife venue. Now, the ground floor has welcomed this molecular cocktail-centric bar. The low seating, breezy soundtrack and moody lighting suggest a laidback drinking spot. Aside from the brief dinner menu, there’s a lengthy list of cocktails—total Instagram material, and not just the usual smoke and mirrors. Recommendations include the signature Taste of Marley (B350), a rum-based drink served in a glass pot; I See You (B350), served in a saline solution bag; and Sharing is Caring (B600), vodka infused orange in a skull-shaped bottle with mixers and a side of liquid nitrogen for four.
Since opening in January, Langsuan’s Hotel Indigo has won admirers for its well-priced, no-frills Thai restaurant Metro on Wireless, and now it’s getting in on the nightlife action. Located on the mezzanine floor between the lobby and the restaurant, 22 Steps Bar is a librarythemed bar which goes for the after-work crowd with appealing happy hour deals. From Mon-Thu, you can get buy-one-get-one-free on cocktails, beer and wine from 5-9pm. Wednesday ladies’ night offers free-flow sparkling wine for the girls from 9-11pm, while come Friday everyone can enjoy free-flow cocktails, wine and beer at B599 per person from 6-9pm. Moire Bar
G/F, Opus Building, Thonglor Soi 10, 095-961-3993. Open daily 5pm-2am. www.fb.com/hypethonglor
HOUSE 10 THONGLOR Adding some variety to the night scene at Eight Thonglor, House 10 Thonglor has taken over the space that used to be Harlem Shakers. Like the old establishment, it offers both a lunch and dinner spot with a party vibe. The bar is open all day long offering Thai spicy dishes with set menus starting from B220 for lunch, while the evening la carte menu is served alongside a full list of booze and toe-tapping music. Live performers play Thai and international covers from Thu-Sat.
PICK ME UP The prime, though some might say cursed, spot on the corner of Thonglor Soi 10 has a new occupant following the departure of German sports bar Brotzeit. This new Thai-international bistro and bar serves cocktails like Thaijito (B350), a twist on the mojito that comes with cashew nut, lemongrass, chili and kaffir lime. The food menu is more straightforward, spanning Caesar salad with poached egg (B250), spaghetti carbonara (B250), spaghetti arrabiata with river prawn (B350) and Wagyu Rossini (B950). Corner of Thonglor Soi 10, 02-714-8820. Open Mon-Thu 3pm-midnight and Fri-Sun 4pm-1am. www.fb.com/PickMeUpThonglor10
81 Wireless Rd., 02-207-4999. www.fb.com/indigobkk
G/F, Eight Thonglor Building, Thonglor Soi 8, 081-837-1133. Open daily 11am-1am. www.fb.com/house10thonglor
22 Steps Bar
MOIRE BAR
BROTHER’S BAR N’ RESTAURANT Located on the top two floors of the colorful three-story building that also houses Indies Kitchen and Jimjoom Jomyut, this new spot brings some quality brews to Sala Daeng. Open almost around the clock, the day starts with breakfast sets and snacks (we recommend the deep-fried pork toast, B135), but is best suited to after-work drinks. Enjoy top-shelf craft beers like Japan’s Hitachino Nest and a range of Brother’s ciders outside with a modest view of Silom Road. Inside, there’s a stage where you can catch live music—and even take the microphone yourself.
Opened just a week before Songkran, this bar goes back to basics with standard booze, daily live music and good ol’ Thai drinking food. The decor is industrial—bare red bricks, exposed ceiling, vintage bulbs—while the short food menu turns out pretty tasty dishes like the deep-fried king mackerel with spicy mango salad (B170), fresh prawn in spicy dressing (B160) and yum sam krob (crispy fish salad, B140). Stick to bottle sharing with some Johnnie Walker Black Label (B2,100/1liter) or your old friend Sangsom (B290/375ml).
2-3/F, ChongkoSmosorn Building, 12/1-2 Silom Rd., 080905-3053. Open daily 7-4am. BTS Sala Daeng. www. fb.com/brothers.tugubkhao
Phahon Yothin Soi 5 (Soi Ratchakru), 081-646-0537. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-1am. www.fb.com/moirebar
Brother’s Bar N’ Restaurant
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ADVERTORIAL
Cradle of Fashion In the leafy Chatuchak neighborhood, young design talent thrives at the legendary weekend market.
Designers’ Picks Among the hundreds of fashion stores at Chatuchak, here are what The Sleeveless Garden favorite picks.
Back in 2011, when Instagram was not there to support small businesses, three young designers chose to debut their leather accessories brand, The Sleeveless Garden, at Chatuchak Market, which for years has been a cradle of young Thai design talent. “It’s a place where creative heads can gather to show off all they’ve got and turn their ideas into money," says Nalintip Warutai, one of the brand’s three founders. As an interior-landscape graduate, Nalintip sees the Chatuchak neighborhood as one of Bangkok’s few hubs of outdoor living. Though the air-conditioned department stores of downtown Bangkok will always have their appeal in a city as hot as this, she says, “we kind of need a blend of both, to keep us alive.”
Does Mondays Have an Apostrophe Before the S? This charmingly named shop is a haven for tote and tee lovers. The shop’s signature items are a variety of round collar shirts, to which Does Mondays wittily adds small embroidery for a look that’s simple yet really cute. Chatuchak Weekend Market, no. 232, soi 45/1, section 3. Open Sat-Sun noon-6:30pm
“Here, you will learn that reality bears no limits. Chatuchak offers authentic customers. And the opportunity to engage them in small talk provides valuable feedback about our products. It’s the real voice of the market, which, as designers, we need to hear if we’re going to take pride in our work.”
Chatuchak is a place where fashion takes many forms, be it foreign or Thai, hi-so or hipster. Whatever you’re into, it’s possible for shoppers to find it, and for young business minds to get their start. “We can happily sell our bags here without worrying about the rent and the risks,” says Nalintip. This is why even today, when anybody can find an audience for their products by adding a hashtag, Nalintip still thinks it’s a great idea for newbies to get to grips with the face-to-face retail scene at Chatuchak. “Here, you will learn that reality bears no limits. Chatuchak offers authentic customers. And the opportunity to engage them in small talk provides valuable feedback about our products. It’s the real voice of the market, which, as designers, we need to hear if we’re going to take pride in our work.” It’s already been four years since The Sleeveless Garden began, and challenges always come hand in hand with growth: “There’s a great variety of creative fashion being sold at Chatuchak, and no doubt that’s a good thing. But for designers those cool influences can easily sway you from your original self. The challenge is to choose what you should change and what you should keep.”
TA.THA.TA Here is another leather specialist. TA.THA. TA hand-crafts each of its products from topquality leather, and stresses that the beauty of leatherwork comes from using it daily. Products include bags, watches, belts, camera straps and key rings. Chatuchak Weekend Market, no.012, Soi 47/1, Section 4. Open SatSun 10:30am-6pm
Thammada Studio If bare hands make you feel naked, give this inspiring jewelry shop a visit. In contrast to its name, Thammada (ordinary), you’ll find their brass works extraordinarily appealing. The settings range from alphabet plated to stones to specially designed shapes—all have quirky appeal. For more details, check out their Instagram @thammada_design. Chatuchak Weekend Market, no.291, section 2. Open Sat-Sun 11am-7pm
Surrounded by beautiful parks and some of Bangkok’s most successful corporate headquarters, Chatuchak still remains the number-one area where new fashion businesses are born and thrive.
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O’Glee
O’Glee
23 BAR & GALLERY The guy behind Bar 23, the legendary dive bar on Sukhumvit Soi 16, has sold up and opened this altogether more arty affair near Chinatown. Set in an old shop-house on the burgeoning Soi Nana (Cho Why, El Chiringuito), the similarly-titled 23 Bar & Gallery keeps the same focus on cold local beers, basic house pours and a soundtrack that flits between 90s Britpop and Rastafarian sounds. The walls are lined with the owner’s own art (with more exhibitions upstairs—the next, from Kongsak Poonpholwattanaporn, opens on May 7) and while the seating is basic, that just means you can turn your attention to the intriguing hustle and bustle of the street.
Baan Puen
BAAN PUEN Behind The Scene Lounge & Bar
92 Soi Nana, Charoenkrung Rd., 080-264-4471. Open Wed-Sun 6pm-midnight. MRT Hua Lamphong. ow.ly/Ktolw
O’GLEE Situated a few steps from Salt Smoke on Ari Soi 1, this is not your average Irish bar. The decor is rustic enough, with a few industrial twists in the form of nicely-designed steel and wood table sets, but the beer selection is possibly the best this side of town. Highlight bottles including Mikkeller’s Not Just Another Wit (B305/330ml) and Hoppy Joe amber ale (B245/330ml) to Rogue Dead Guy Ale (B260). The draught list is ever-changing, but on tap right now you can get Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nector (B280/pint) .
3/F, Ekamai Shopping Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 061-824-1747. Open daily 6pm-2am. www.fb.com/baanpuenekamai
Ari Soi 1, 02-619-5354. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight. www. fb.com/ogleeari1 23 Bar & Gallery
Behind The Scene Lounge & Bar
NORI’S BAR
BEHIND THE SCENE LOUNGE & BAR This bar is located on the lobby floor of the theater-themed hotel Play Haus Thonglor, which is modeled after four legendary plays—Romeo & Juliet, Mary Poppins, Aladdin and Thailand’s See Pan Din. Decorated to resemble a fantastical dressing room, the narrow space offers five sets of Louis XIV velvet sofas facing a counter bar made from a wooden jewelry display cabinet and a liquor shelf surrounded by backstage mirrors. The drinks menu sticks to the theme; we recommend the Romeo & Juliet-inspired Obstructed Love (B240), a mix of Disaronno liqueur, Sailor Jerry rum, Malibu and pineapple juice. The short food menu offers the likes of Aladdin chicken (roasted in curry sauce, B159) and Isaan cheese balls (B159), but do expect a wider range including steaks, sausage platters and dim sum soon.
Noriaki Tsuboshi of Hanakaruta’s original Sukhumvit Soi 39 branch—the bar that made handcrafted ice balls popular in this city—has left his old business to begin this more intimate watering hole for serious drinkers. Nori’s offers a small snack menu, but the main draw is his list of cocktails, personalized creations, homemade plum wine and Japanese whiskies. Don’t be surprised to find some of Bangkok’s best musicians in there holding impromptu concerts—the talented conductor Trisdee Na Patlung and Kijjazz from the Monotone family are both regular customers and put on instrumentals from time to time. 3/F, Baan 47/1 Building, Sukhumvit Soi 49, 085-147-7085. Open daily 8pm-2am. www.fb.com/norisbarbkk
Baan Puen
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Joining late-night party institution Dark Bar at the long-standing-yet-always-happening Ekamai Shopping Mall, Bann Puen lives up to its name, which literally translates to “friend’s house.” The new rooftop bar’s wallet-friendly prices are matched by a low-key, semi-industrial decor of hanging ferns, beanbags and even a wooden double-bunk bed. However, the main draw is the semi-roofed alfresco zone. The owners look to offer a folksy, toned-down alternative to Ekkamai’s hi-so clubs with a focus on live indie music that reminds us of the dearly-missed Stu-Fe. Bands perform daily under different themes, including jazz on Thursday and pop on Fri-Sat. Don’t expect fancy craft beer, here. The main brew is Singha, starting from B115 for a glass, B285 for a jug and B690 for a tower.
L/F, Play Haus Thonglor, 205/22-23 Sukhumvit Soi 55 (Thonglor), same alley as Thonglor Pet Hospital, 02-7125747. www.playhausthonglor.com
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Jirayu Ekkul
escapes PHETCHABURI
Gold Coast Exploring the hidden gems along Phetchaburi’s coastline. By Monruedee Jansuttipan and Dharath Hoonchamlong
Bryde’s Whale
Bang Tabun
LERD Project
T
hough Phetchaburi is ideally placed as a gateway between Thailand’s Central and Southern provinces, it’s often overlooked as a travel destination in favour of Cha-am and Hua Hin. But staying under the radar has helped preserve the area’s pristine environment, which has proved a boon for ecotourism, especially in Ban Laem district. From floating villages to whale-watching, here are some of Phetchaburi’s highlight activities.
Floating Fishermen’s Village
Sea Salt Spa
Just a 20-minute drive off Rama 2 Road along Highway 4012, Bang Tabun is probably the best-known fishermen’s village in the Central region thanks to its idyllic seascape featuring tiny floating huts dotting the horizon. It’s also one of Thailand’s biggest spots for cockle production. We recommend an early start to catch the sunrise, here, when the serene shoreline is transformed into a golden sea. To get a closer look at some of the cockle farms, catch a boat from the pier in front of Bang Tabun Municipal Office (near Pak Ao Temple), which starts at about B800 per round. You can also take a ride along the Bang Tabun River, which is home to more fishermen’s villages as well as mangrove forests.
Refresh yourself at Ruen Sabai (open 10am-7pm) of iTara Resort & Spa (Moo 3, Laem Phak Bia Beach, Bahn Laem, 032-478-3015, www.itararesort.com), which offers a range of treatments using the finest “flower of salt,” the thin hand-harvested layer of salt that rises to the surface of shallow pools of seawater. The high-end salt is believed to have many benefits, from removing old skin cells to killing bacteria. Try a facial treatment (B1,440/hr), body scrub (B1,290/hr) or hands and feet spa (B990/hr). If you’re hungry afterwards, the resort is also home to Rabieng Nam (open 7am-10pm), which serves local favorites like somtam poo ma Laem Phak Bia (spicy papaya salad with horse crabs, B260), nam prik rabieng nam (spicy shrimp paste with sweet pork, B200), and plahang tangmo (grinded dried fish with watermelon, B100).
Whale Watching It may come as a surprise but Bang Tabun offers one of Southeast Asia’s top whale-watching experiences. Just be sure to choose an ethical whale watching company. Wild Encounter Thailand (091105-1778, fb.com/WildEncounterThailand) operates whale-watching trips every week from May-Dec at B2,000 per person. Its founder, cetologist Jirayu Ekkul, says, “The activities of the Bryde’s whales at Bang Tabun are the most astonishing in this region. Nowhere else will you see resident whales so close and over such regular periods.” Eco-tour operator Hivesters (www.hivesters.com) will also restart its trips in August, the prime time for whale watching. These tours usually require an early morning, so be prepared for a full-day trip.
Eat Fresh Bang Tabun has a lot to offer in terms of seafood. We recommend Krua Bangtabun, also known as Krua Lung Ya (74/1 Moo 1 Bang Tabun, 032-581-297. Open Tue-Sun 10am-7pm), where highlights include nam prik khai poo (crab’s egg paste, B100) and steamed crabs (B550 per kilogram). Another fine option is Lear Laer Lae (Moo 3, opposite Pak Ao Temple, 032-489-046. Open daily 10am-9pm), a boat restaurant located at Bang Tabun River Estuary which offers scenic views of the gulf along with tangy dishes like fried sea bass with spicy lemongrass salad (B320) and local specialties like nam prik kapi (Thai spicy shrimp paste, B140) and kang kua poo bai chakram (roasted crab with seepweed leaves soup B200).
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Sea salt farm
Mangroves and First Sand For some more fresh air, stroll along the picturesque wooden path through the mangrove forest at The King’s Royally Initiated Laem Phak Bia Environmental Research and Development Project (LERD Project, Had Chao Samran Rd., 032-441-265. Open MonFri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-midday. goo.gl/ZwjlJ8). Chances are you’ll come across endangered birds, mudskippers and various species of crabs. At the end of the pathway, you can climb down a ladder for Sai Med Raek View Point (First Sand Viewpoint), considered the first beach of Southern Thailand. iTara Resort
Quality Souvenirs Ban Laem has one of Thailand’s biggest salt production industries and even hosts an annual salt festival every March. There are many salt farms you can visit if you’d like to see the process or purchase some flower of salt (available at a very low price with a bit of bargaining, typically less than B100 per kg). For some pampering, though, we recommend buying salt spa products from Kanghuntong Sea Salt (032-405100, 086-544-4473, goo.gl/mVxV5t), who also offer a small range of treatments. Another local brand that makes for great souvenirs is Korakot (335 Moo 10, Ban Laem, 032772-036, goo.gl/38S2Py), whose quirky bamboo furniture is regularly showcased at BIG + BIH (see page 16).
Essentials WHERE TO STAY
iTara Resort & Spa (Moo 3, Laem Phak Bia Beach, Ban Laem, 032478-301-5, www.itararesort.com) offers three choices of rooms: Seaview Deluxe (B3,000-4,200), Ocean View Villa (B4,500-6,200) and Beachfront Villa (B6,000-8,200). GETTING THERE
Driving is the best option. From Bangkok, take the Rama 2 Road (AH2) until you reach Samut Songkram. From there, Road No. 4012 will lead you to Bang Tabun, Road No. 3178 will take you to Ban Laem and Road No. 4028 to Laem Phak Bia.
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ESCAPE ROUTES By Pinnyada Tanitnon
SAMUI
Summer Escape Located in Chaweng, not far from Samui’s booming nightlife, Ozo Chaweng Samui (Chaweng Beach, Bophut, 077-334-300. www.ozohotels.com) is rolling out a new getaway package ideal for visitors needing a break from city life. The package includes a three-night stay in the resort’s Dream Room, complimentary airport transfers and a set dinner at Stacked, the hotel’s restaurant specializing in modern comfort food. Room rates start at B4,650 per night from now through Dec 31. The chic resort is situated right by the beach and boasts two swimming pools and a beach bar. To make reservations, visit ow.ly/LqBoD.
CHIANG MAI
Fresh Market Chiang Mai just welcomed Ploen Rudee Night Market, a new flea market on Chang Klang Road. Every evening from 5pm-midnight you can find vendors selling handmade wares, accessories and clothing items. The market also boasts a large food zone comprising a country-style seating area with stalls and food trucks selling sushi, pizza, burgers and more.
Comfort Classics Classic American comfort food is all the rage in Bangkok. Now there’s a cool but cozy new spot to get your fill in Chiang Mai. The Corner Bistro (8/8 Ratchaphuek Alley, 096-4976755. www.cornerbistrochiangmai.com) serves dishes like triple-fried fries (B60), juicy macreause steak (B350) and lasagne (B180) in a pared-back, wood-dominated setting. Run by a Thai and American duo, the restaurant claims to use only local and seasonal ingredients from the likes of the Royal Projects. The restaurant is open every day from 7am-3pm for breakfast and lunch and 5pm-midnight for dinner.
JAPAN
Something for the Weekend Attention foodies looking for a fancy escape: Tokyo’s luxurious Palace Hotel (www.palacehoteltokyo.com) just launched a Wanderlust Weekend package. The two-night stay includes two 50-minute signature treatments using mineral water at the hotel’s Evian Spa, a seasonal kaiseki lunch for two at the hotel restaurant Wadakura and a wine-pairing dinner for two at Crown, Japan’s newly Michelin-starred French restaurant. Although the deal is called Wanderlust Weekend, it also runs during the week. Reservations can be made at ow.ly/LqK62. There is no set finish date for the promotion, but we advise you to make plans pronto. The total price starts at 205,00 yen (about B55,698).
Have some cool rooms? Email your news and promotions to travel@asia-city.co.th
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GROOMING
Retro Revival The old-school gentleman’s barber trend has spread across the river to Pinklao. Good Old Days Barber is run by Prasert “Sert” Techamaneevat, who has two years’ experience in the pomade import business. His retro-style haircut service is B350 and includes shampoo, cut and styling, while shaving costs B300. Sert and his barbers specialize in the “executive contour” style (think George Clooney’s red carpet look). They also stock pomade from Layrite (B690), Murray’s (B300) and Dax (B520), alongside the local brand Pomade Thai. Soi Somdejprapinklao 19, opposite Pata Pinklao, 02-408-8464. Open Mon-Fri 10am-9pm (closed on the last Monday of every month), Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. www.fb.com/ GoodOldDaysBarberShopThailand
BEAUTY
Beat the Heat For makeup that can stand the Bangkok sun right now, check out Bobbi Brown’s new Intensive Skin Serum Foundation (B2,400). The brand says it has been designed to work both as a makeup foundation and skincare product, with a powerful SPF 40 rating to protect against UV rays. Other heat-beating ingredients include Cordyceps Mushroom, said to reenergize and restore skin cells. Available at all Bobbi Brown Cosmetics counters in a choice of 10 shades, or online at bobbibrown.co.th.
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SHOPPING
SHOPPING
Full Bloom
Sale Time
The cult mid-century fashion and home decor brand Marimekko has now arrived in Bangkok. The Finnish design house dates back to 1951, and is best known for its classic Unikko floral design and vibrant color schemes. The new store at CentralWorld is part of Marimekko’s expansion into Asia with 40 new flagship stores across the region. Prices start at B690 for a simple coin bag and go up to B18,000 for the jumpsuit. Visit www.marimekko.com for more information. 1/F, Atrium Zone, CentralWorld, Rajdamri Rd., 02-252-7033. BTS Chit Lom.
Vintage Showcase is an independent vintage furniture importer who, for the past two years, has held a series of semi-private furniture sale events. Now, they’re gearing up for their first fully public sale. Taking place on May 8-10, 11am-5pm, the Vintage Showcase Warehouse Sale (37 Rama 9 Soi 51, 084663-6214/086-777-7464. MRT Rama 9) will feature discounts of up to 75 percent on handpicked Victorian, antique French, vintage and industrial pieces. For those who can’t make it that weekend, fear not, you can shop again on May 22-24 at Groove at CentralWorld. For more information, visit www.fb.com/vintageshowcase51 or www.vintageshowcase.co.uk
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FASHION
Mall Comforts
Fresh Mint
Style picks to stay cool this summer.
We round up the most-hyped new fashion stores at the youth-oriented luxury mall Emquartier. By Vasachol Quadri and Dharath Hoonchamlong
Mint green crop top, Vickteerut, B4,650 2/F Qurator Zone, The Waterfall Quartier, 085-072-6806. www.vickteerut.com
Beams
Mint green trousers, Vickteerut, B5,990 2/F Qurator Zone, The Waterfall Quartier, 085-072-6806. www.vickteerut.com
Rag & Bone NY
Beams
A Bathing Ape
Think a more-fashionable Muji. This Japanese streetwear brand does it all, most notably cleanly designed clothing and accessories for both men and women. Like Muji, the brand sticks to a minimal look with top quality materials that make up for the relatively steep prices. This season’s highlights include the brand’s White & Denim collection, which comprises denim shirts, A-line skirts and pinafores to match with basic white tees, white and blue striped tees and white canvas bags.
While Beams goes for a mature look , this Japanese streetwear label is more in-your-face. A Bathing Ape was founded back in 1993 in the vibrant Tokyo fashion district of Harajuku. The focus is on easy-to-wear pieces like longsleeve jumpers, basketball tops, hoodies, oversized tees, denim shorts and sweatpants, all coming in bold colors and prints. For spring/summer 2015, the men’s collection is dominated by camouflage patterns and black and white geometric prints.
1/F, The Helix Quartier, 02-003-6067
M/F, The Waterfall Quartier, 02-003-6640-1
Vilebrequin
Style Nanda
Founded in 1971, Vilebrequin is a French beachwear brand that’s all about summer-friendly clothing and accessories. The new shop offers an extensive range of men’s, women’s and kids’ resort wear and swimwear. We dig its retro pastel color pallete, as well as the flower and sea animal prints on the men’s shorts. Other highlights for the ladies include the cute towels and cover-ups.
Known for its mid-range streetwear (and worldwide shipping), this Korean brand has long been a favorite of Thai fashion devotees. With the opening of Style Nanda’s first Bangkok outlet, you can now shop in person for its spring/summer 2015 collection, which includes jumpers and T-shirts in crop and striped styles, denim mini-skirts and shorts and party dresses. Another highlight is 3 Concept Eyes, an in-house cosmetic brand with a loyal following due to its huge selection of nail polish shades, cream blusher and cover cream foundation. Just be warned: the Korean makeup trend is all about a natural glow, which doesn’t really suit oily skin.
2/F, The Helix Quartier, 02-003-6132-3
Rag & Bone NY Marcus Wainwright and David Neville had no fashion or design experience when they launched Rag & Bone more than a decade ago. Previously stocked at Next to Normal, the denim brand combines classic British tailoring with modern, NYC-influenced deconstructed elements. The brand is also known for its DIY Project, a series of photo shoots with models such as Candice Swanepoel and Miranda Kerr wearing Rag & Bone jeans, with no stylists or studio tricks. M/F, The Glass Quartier, 02-003-6450
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2/F, The Glass Quartier, 02-003-6475 Emquartier. 637 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-269-1000, Open daily 10am-10pm www.theemdistrict.com
Style Nanda
Coming Soon
Mini Iss classic bag in seafoam, Isawan Bag, B14,900
Joining the international high-end zone at Emquartier, next to Club 21 and Blackbarrett, is Kids 21. As the name suggests, this multi-label store caters to kids with nice little dresses from up-market brands like Chloe Kids Wear, Stella McCartney Kids and Baby Dior. Up on the fourth floor of Emquartier’s Helix Building, Another Story is a new concept store that gathers designer product from all over the world with a heavy focus on stationery a n d h o m e d e co r. It also comprises a gallery, cafe, flower shop and workshop zone.
www.isawanbag.com
Lipstick, Lime Crime, B690 086-815-8815. www.325trading.co.th, www.fb.com/LimeCrimeTH
Nail polish, MAC, B650 1/F, Siam Center, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0282
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Plural Design
HOME
Make Room
Our five top furniture picks from the 2015 edition of Thailand International Furniture Fair (TIFF) and BIG+BIH. By Vasachol Quadri
Mha Dog and Living
Ease Embroidery
Salt and Pepper
Product: Embroidery wall decoration ‘Faii’ collection
Picks: Mirror wall decoration from Ocean Collection and rounded table
Ease’s Faii collection turns cotton-polyester fabric into hexagonal shapes in a variety of brown tones. Users can pick their favorite shade and mix the shapes any way they like to create objects like room dividers or unique wall decor. Price: B4,500 per square meter Get yours at: Flo Showroom, Narathiwas Soi 26. Open TueSun 10am-7pm. www.fb.com/ease.emb
Salt & Pepper Design Studio is run by the same designer as Mha Dog and Living. You don’t have to be jealous of your pet anymore since the nice furniture is now designed for you. The rounded table features pretty, twisted steel legs while the front pattern features a touch of ethnic inspiration. Pair it with the vertical rhombus mirror for a dynamic look. Price: Price TBA
Egg White Design Studio
Get yours at: www.fb.com/saltandpepper.page
Products: Match Box table set and Perd Cabinet
Plural Design
Better known for made-to-order wooden furniture, this brand has now released its first full ready-made collection. All items are crafted from para wood in light brown stripes with black details. We like the Match Box, a functional work table with multiple drawers, as well as the Perd Cabinet, which can be used as both storage and a display case. Price: Table B9,300, chair B3,000 and cabinet B6,200 Get yours at: www.fb.com/eggwhitedesign or 080-231-8778
Mha Dog and Living Picks: Play Tent and Wooden Bed from Brave Heart collection
Ease Embroidery
Picks: Wall shelves from the Kids collection Plural Design’s second collection takes us back to our first childhood drawings with simple outlines of the sun, clouds, mountains, trees and houses. These components are transformed into sheet steel wall hangings and storage in pastel color shades. The cloud-shaped folding sheet uses cutouts and curves for a look that’s playful and bold.
Salt and Pepper
Price: Prices start from B650 for Cloud shelf to B1,700 for House wall/desk storage Get yours at: Room Concept Store, 4/F, Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-160-5644. www.pluraldesigns.net
Mah Dog and Living is a luxury pet accessories design brand whose items are not only good for furry friends but also add a nice design touch to your house. The Play Tent is a rest spot for pooches with a bohemian camping vibe—perfect for open-plan, loft-style spaces. Price: Play Tent starts from B6,500; wooden bed from B5,500 Egg White Design Studio
Get yours at: www.fb.com/mhadogandliving or 092-448-2525
IN THE FRAME
Aromdee Art & Studio The buzz: This new art studio founded by a Pohchang Academy of Arts jewelry design graduate offers art activities near the On Nut neighborhood. Classes include jewelry design, basic drawing and ceramic workshops. The decor: The studio takes over the first two stories of an old shop-house in Punnawithi Soi 22. The design is simple with white painted walls decked out with the lecturers’ ceramic works on wooden shelves. The main workshop space is located in the middle with a capacity of 5-6 people per class. Round the back, staff work the kiln to fire your completed masterpieces. Courses and prices: The focus is on the ceramic courses, which start from B8,000 for a three-day course that runs for three consecutive Saturdays and covers hand molding,
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painting and glazing. No basic skill needed. The plan is for pottery wheels to be set up on the second floor for an advanced class. The women’s tailoring class covers pattern making, sewing and completing at B7,000 for 45 hours (15 days/3 hours each). There are also three jewelry workshops: resin technique (2 days, B6,000), metalsmithing (1 day, B1,900), and ceramic technique (2 days, B4,900). Classes are quite flexible in schedule, allowing you to set a personal time with the lecturer between 10am-12:30pm or 1:306pm. Not all courses are available all the time, so drop them a Facebook message before booking. Vasachol Quadri Punnawithi Soi 22, Sukhumvit Soi 101, 097-486-0848. BTS Punnawithi. www.fb.com/aromdeeartstudio
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A Night Out with Bangkok’s Best Restaurants
Mar 26, 2015 Our annual Top Tables dining guide launched at an event that welcomed over 200 guests comprised of chefs, restaurateurs, food industry professionals and BK Magazine partners. Now in its sixth year, Top Tables has grown into Bangkok’s most trusted guide for discerning foodies. Top Tables is compiled by a panel of bloggers, journalists and F&B professionals, with 109 restaurants having made it into the 2015 guide. See the full list at www.bkmagazine.com/TopTables
Thank you to all our sponsors:
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CAFE
Aussie Bums The quiet end of Ekkamai has welcomed the new all-white Kaizen Coffee Co. Started by a two fittingly hip buddies who were fascinated by Australia’s coffee scene, the brews go beyond long black (B80) and flat white (B100), nonetheless. (This is Bangkok, after all.) That means they do tea and experimental health drinks (such as summer skinni green and mango bang bang, both B150) along with sweets from Moonne, a French-style bakery located at Paragon (and now Emquartier). They will soon introduce nitrogen-brewed coffee and are still working out their menu, think bacon and eggs on ciabbata or tomatoes, avocado and feta on sourdough. 582/5 Ekkamai Soi 26-28 (Tai Ping Tower), 098-8316009. Open daily 7am-7pm. www.goo.gl/QtbbDG
CONTEST
RESTAURANT
BAKERY
Man Versus Food
Shortest Menu Ever
Puffed Up in Paris
Don’t tell Michelle Obama but for the second year American diner 25 Degrees is hosting The Biggest Burger Contest. Loosen your belt (and your jaw) to tackle the gigantic burger, which consists of 1kg of ground wagyu sirloin, 200g mixed mushrooms, 350g American cheese, 150g yellow cheddar cheese, 100g onion rings and 350g crispy bacon. If you can finish the burger in under 30 minutes you’ll not only walk away without having to pay the bill, but you’ll also receive a free burger per month for one year. Otherwise, you’ll have to stump up B1,200 for the pleasure. The contest, which goes against every healthy, slow-living food trend of the past five years, and is therefore to be celebrated, runs through May 16. Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, 188 Silom Rd., 02-238-1991
You don’t have to fly to Paris or Geneva to queue up for steakfrites (steak and fries) in green sauce from Le Relais de l’Entrecôte or Cafe de Paris anymore. Bangkok now has the same offering at the highly specialized Le Boeuf, whose owner David Perrot, also of Crepes and Co, says he has the same sauce recipe as the original Geneva place. After being served a complimentary walnut salad, you get the Australian beef sirloin at your preferred level of doneness with green butter-based sauce and refillable fries (B680). The only difference here is that you can also opt for lamb chop (B740) or salmon (B880). Mayfair, Bangkok-Marriott Executive Apartments, 60 Lang Suan Rd., 093-971-8081. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm. BTS Chit Lom
After training in Paris for nine years at top names like Laduree and Angelina, Thai pastry chef Carol Boosaba recently opened a little white and blue cafe in Asoke. At Paris Mikki all the cakes and pastry are baked daily in limited numbers. Aiming for a traditional and authentic French taste, the menu that rotates depending on seasonal ingredients. We recommend classics like the croissant pur beurre (B85), St. Honore (a pile of creamy choux, B280), tarte au chocolat (B165) and mille-feuille (a layering of puff pastry and pastry cream, B190). Note: you can call to reserve the sweets as they often sell out. 27 Metha Wattana Bldg., Sukhumvit Soi 19, 088-870-0020. Open Tue-Sun 11am-8pm. www.fb.com/ParisMikki
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bites Ensalada de Nopales What: In Mexican Spanish, nopal refers to the opuntia cactus, which is a common ingredient in Mexican cuisine and can be eaten raw or cooked. Ensalada de nopales (nopal salad) is one of the simplest dishes made with this tart though surprisingly delicate ingredient. Sometimes, people also include it as a side dish with steak or on top of tacos. Where: Sabroso imports cooked and preserved nopal straight from Mexico and mixes it in a salad (B250) with lettuce, onion, radish, lime juice, feta cheese and a little spicy tomato salsa topped with chicharrons (crispy pork).
BEST EATS
Chile Relleno
To the Mex
What: Chile Relleno literally translates to “stuffed chili.” The dish originated in the city of Puebla where they used grilled poblano chili. Other versions use hatch chile, anaheim or jalapeno. In the contemporary version, the chili is often filled with meat and cheese before being coated in corn batter and deep-fried.
Move aside burritos and tacos. We celebrate Cinco de Mayo (May 5) with five lesser known Mexican dishes and where to get them in Bangkok. By Natcha Saguankitattichai and Dharath Hoonchamlong Ensalada de Nopales at Sabroso
Where: Coyote’s faithful version sees a poblano chili stuffed with cream cheese, jalapenos and a rich almond cream sauce (B195). Things get fancier with Sunrise Tacos’, deep-fried chili filled with ground Kobe beef and cheese (B295). Meanwhile, Mejico stuff their jalapeno with feta cream cheese and herbs.
Michelada
Chile Relleno at Mejico
Mole at Charley Brown’s
What: This Mexican beer cocktail is normally prepared by mixing beer with lime juice, spices, sauces and peppers, served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass. While the basic recipe uses tomato juice, things often get wilder with hot sauces, Worcestershire sauce and even Maggi flavoring. Where: At Sabroso, you can add B40 to make any beer on the list a michelada. There, they use Worcestershire, tabasco and ground black pepper. Elsewhere, try La Monita’s version (B175) with tabasco sauce or Mejico’s which uses their own Mejico spice mix (B220).
Tamales Tamales at Sabroso
BK PICKS
La Monita
with meat, cheese, fruits or vegetables and wrapped with banana leaf or, more commonly, corn husk before being steamed. Where: You won’t find too many places serving this dish but Sabroso has three options: beef, chicken and pork (all B250), all served with Mexican rice and beans. Tacos & Salsa has the same choices of meat and sides, but also topped with sour cream and salsa of your choice (B260).
Mole What: The generic name for sauce in Mexican cuisine most often refers to mole poblano, a thick, rich, chocolate-tinged sauce that’s identified with the state of Puebla. The velvety smooth sauce is made from about 20 ingredients, including chili, nuts, spices and chocolate, and typically served on meat or rice. Where: Of the few places in Bangkok that have this typical sauce, Charley Brown’s fragrant version is made with six different chilis and served on chicken drumsticks and rice (B250). Sabroso, too, serves chicken with mole enchilada (B280).
Essentials Charley Brown’s. Mejico. 2/F, Groove @ CentralWorld, 1/23 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651- Rama 1 Rd., 02-2526660. Open daily 2215. Open Tue-Sun 11am-12am. BTS 5:30pm-12am. BTS Chit Lom Nana Sabroso. 24/5 Coyote. The Prime Sukhumvit Soi 23, 11, 29 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 02-651- 02-262-0997. Open 3313. Open daily Tue-Sat 3-10pm; Sun noon-10pm. MRT 12pm-2am. BTS Sukhumvit Nana La Monita Taqueria. 888/26-25, Mahatun Plaza Arcade, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-6509581. Open daily 11:30am-10pm. BTS Phloen Chit
What: This ancient portable food of the Mesoamericans may remind you of our kao tom mud (steamed sticky rice wrapped with banana leaf). A corn-dough pocket is stuffed
Sunrise Tacos. Multiple branches. Try corner of Silom Soi 4. Open daily 24 hours. BTS Sala Daeng Tacos & Salsa. 9 Sukhumvit Soi 18, 086-346-0822. Open Mon-Fri 3-11pm; Sat-Sun 11am-11pm.
Five of our favorite Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes in town
MEJICO’S GUACAMOLE
LA MONITA TAQUERIA’S CRUNCH STAR
SUNRISE TACOS’ TACOS
TACOS AND SALSA’S BURRITOS
COYOTE’S FAJITAS
One of the most prominent condiments in Mexican cuisine is this dip made from mashed avocado with lime and sea salt, traditionally made using a molcajete (mortar and pestle). At Mejico, the guacamole (B235) is freshly mashed in a mortar table-side before being served with plantain chips instead of tortilla chips.
If you’re bored of the typical tortilla folded in half and filled with cheese, try this huge full moon of a quesadilla (B270-285). They add crispy corn tortilla to the middle, which gives some crunch to the gooey interior. Just imagine having some nachos inside your quesadilla.
We like how they let you create your own tacos (B90/1 piece and B240/3 pieces) with your choice of shell, sauce and meat or veggies. If that still doesn’t satisfy you, head to the salsa bar and drench your tacos to your taste. While the original Sukhumvit Soi 12 place has closed down, you can still get your tacos fix at seven more branches, including the newest one on the seventh floor of MBK Center.
Their burritos (B190/220) won’t win any awards for presentation, but fillings like the chicken tinga (shredded chicken stewed with onion and tomato) and the fiery chili con carne offer more wellrounded flavors than most of the city’s patchier offerings. We’re partial to ordering our burrito wet (an additional B60) to get it smothered in sour cream and cheese.
OK, you can find sizzling fajitas anywhere, but we like how here they prepare the colorful bell peppers on the hot plate before adding the meat and veg of your choice (B455 or opt for two choices of meat at B495). It’s quite fun to DIY your Fajita with flour tortilla, guacamole, red salsa and sour cream.
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bites FOOD REVIEWS
Harvest HHHH Mediterranean. Chapter 31, 24/1 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-262-0762. Open daily 5:30pm-midnight. BTS Phrom Phong. BBB-BBBB F
Harvest is the new seafood-heavy restaurant from the people behind defunct mussel bar Bouchot. Mussels still feature prominently on the menu, but on the night we visited they were out. As were oysters. And lobster. A shame, because for the most part what we’ve tried at Harvest is pretty decent. The decor might slam home the rustic theme so incessantly it feels like dining in the seven dwarves’ cottage, but the food feels modern without playing to fads, and has the flavor to match its simple, uncluttered plating. Our favorite is the Iberico pork secreto (B980): n ot hing m ore t ha n th i ck- cut an d beautifully-cooked slices of pinkish pork on top of sharp and slightly sweet b ra i s e d fe n n e l . T h e g n o cc h i a n d pheasant ragout (B380) is another non-
Beer Bridge HHHH International. 1/F, Portico, 31 Soi Lang Suan, 02-652-1979. Open 8am-midnight. BTS Chit Lom. Corkage charge B400. BBB F G
Beer Bridge sure doesn’t look original with its requisite Brooklyn bistro bare bricks and dangling light bulbs. Its menu is just as lazy and devoid of personality: it ranges from pizza and burgers to Thai gab glaem, tapas and fusion comfort food. Add an accoustic pop cover band and you’ve got many a Bangkokian’s idea of a great pub. We do like the restaurant’s stellar beer list (pushing 100 labels, including the likes of Deschutes Chainbreaker and Rogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar on tap, B300 for 500ml). But the pub grub, courtesy of chef Chalee Kader of Surface, is both expensive and ham-fisted. With the fried pork knuckle (B690), that’s rather expected (hur hur), but even the braised pork orecchiette (B340) is overly salty despite its tangy, sour
Ratings
Price guide
PPPP Forget it PPPP Only if you’re in the neighborhood PPPP A pleasant dining experience PPPP Not to be missed
B BB BBB BBBB
BK pays for its meal and does not call ahead or sit with the chef.
seafood highlight, though the “ragout” is more like a pheasant-meat hash. This makes for a pretty dry dish, but the ricotta gnocchi is fluffy and flavorsome. We also like the char-grilled octopus on a bed of warm fennel and chorizo (B420). As advertised, the octopus meat comes nicely charred on the outside yet tender inside. The oily dressing and tangy chorizo match it well. The frutti di mare (B580) is less successful. Cooked in advance, this stew of Hokkaido scallop, octopus, shrimps, mussels and sea bass in a tomato sauce managed to escape this particular night’s seafood shortage, but to no one’s benefit. The mussels are tough, the scallop flavorless and the tomato sauce completely flat. Having tried a very similar dish at Peppina recently for B200 less, it leaves little room for excuses. (Peppina’s didn’t have Hokkaido scallop, but it did have flavor.) Wines are all modestly priced, with no bottles above B5,000, plenty below B2,000 and a few unremarkable options by the glass (go for the B350 Babich Sauvignon Blanc). Cocktails stick to the old school: martini, old fashioned, negroni and the like (all B295). It’s tough to make a verdict on Harvest. It has its shining moments, but in the end, when a restaurant that prides itself on mussels takes your reservation without mentioning it’s out of mussels (and had been for three days), that’s tough to swallow.
sauce. Make sure to order plenty of beer to go with it. The burgers come in hefty portions with well-seasoned, thick-cut fries. On our last visit, they had run out of beef and chicken burgers, though. We opted for the foie gras and lamb burger (B750), which did not live up to its lofty price tag. And it’s not like the B550 wagyu beef burger is much cheaper. In a town now awash with burgers, they need to work on the bun for one. The Thai dishes are just as unimaginative. The laab moo tod (deepfried minced pork with chilies and mints, B90) is a little underdone with a slightly powdery aftertaste. The other options include usual suspects like tom yam, green curry and pad Thai—it’s almost like being in a Thai restaurant abroad. Desserts are more creative, but mostly you’re getting a sweet hit without much flavor, such as in the apple tart tartin with Thai tea caramel and vanilla ice cream (B210). If you’re still of the school that likes to share a pizza, a plate of pasta, a meat dish and some fusion-y thing (think deep-fried oysters with wasabi tartare) in the middle of the table, then you’ll probably enjoy both the food and the very loud music here. For the rest of us, who know where to get a good pizza or a good burger (and that you have to go to two different places to make that happen), stick to Beer Bridge’s brews.
Under B500 B500-900 B900-1,500 B1,500 and up Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course, dessert, charges and tax.
Symbols
H Reservations recommended F Parking available E Dress requirements G Live music
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bites
OPEN DOOR
Vivarium
Japanese ingredients take center stage in classic Thai dishes.
The buzz: Two big names of Iron Chef Thailand fame, Chumpol Jangprai (of Siam Wisdom) and Boontham Parkpho (of Honmono Sushi), have partnered up to present Thai food cooked with Japanese ingredients in a spacious, natural setting. The decor: Located in an old tractor warehouse off Rama 4 Road, the restaurant feels like being inside a terrarium. It's been converted into a partial glasshouse with floor-to-ceiling windows encasing abundant greenery that add life to the bare concrete and maroon color scheme. The food and drinks: The kitchen is helmed by Chumpol’s nephew, chef Pornchai Chuadchaiyapum, who formerly worked as an executive chef at Blue Elephant Indonesia and shares a similar culinary background to Chumpol. The menu sees a vari-
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ety of Japanese ingredients sourced by Boontham (mostly raw), blow-torched before being added into Northeastern dishes like goy pla salmon (Northeastern-style salmon salad, B550), ama ebi (sweet shrimp) and tom yum soup (B950-1,300). On top of familiar seafood items like tuna, salmon, uni, hotate, mentaigo (codroe) and hokkigai (surf clam), the chicken, pork and beef are also all imported and cooked in dishes like gai pad ped (spicy stir-fried chicken, B300), grilled pork with jaew spicy sauce (B250) and green curry with Kobe beef (B1,500). The drinks side of things is taken pretty seriously, too, with mixologist Surasak Janruang, finalist in Diageo World Class 2013, helming the bar and serving signature cocktails with a focus on Thai herbs, such as The 4th (Ketel One vodka, Chambord liqueur, cranberry juice, fresh ginger, fresh lime and star anise, B350).
Why you should care: While chef Vichit Mukura of Khao similarly incorporates premium-grade Japanese ingredients at his restaurant, the results here aren’t as high-blown, with a greater focus on shareability and comfort dishes. Prices, too, are a lot more down to earth. Natcha Sanguankiattichai 3675 Rama 4 Rd., 02-261-9507. Open daily 5-11pm
Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get 20% discount on food only (Today – 30 Sep 15)
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Sekai no Yamachan
TABLE TALK Siam Proud
S’mores
Polpa
2/F, Groove, 999/9 Rama 1 Rd., 02-613-1271. Open daily 11-1am. BTS Siam
NEW AND NOTED
Izakaya Central
You can never have too many izakaya. The latest in town is Sekai no Yamachan (The Manor, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-5541. www.goo.gl/s8wEU8), whose specialty is Nagoya deep-fried chicken wings, also known as maboroshino tebasaki (B120). Other highlight dishes include miso uzura tamago (quail eggs with miso sauce, B90), yamachan salad (B210), doteni (braised pork entrails in miso sauce, B140) and aisura omiochan (Japanese sweet potato with milk ice cream, B190). There’s also plenty of beer and sake, starting from B119 and B359, respectively.
Standing Proud
Siam Proud (64 Rama 9 Soi 41 [Seri 7], 02-118-6227. www. fb.com/siamproudbkk) is a new Thai family restaurant that claims to serve recipes handed down from generation to generation. The homey setting comes complete with a welcoming front lawn (think Sukhumvit Soi 39’s Kram) where you can try Central and Southern dishes like yum pla foo (spicy and crispy
fish salad, B145), kang kua poo bai chaploo (roasted crab curry with piperales, B295) and pla tord sauce namplaa (fried fish with fish sauce, B395). Finish off your meal with itim kati sod song krueng (homemade coconut milk ice cream, B65). They also host cooking workshops.
To Your Door
Having started life as a pop-up store at the Spring Epicurean Market, Polpa (www.polpa.co) recently made the transition to delivery service. Specializing in nutritious organic food with Mediterranean influences, they whip up salad bowls, meal boxes, sandwiches and drinks in gluten-free, wheat-free and dairyfree options at different time slots in the day. Recommended dishes include jasberry rice and chickpea salad (B120), pumpkin and hazelnut salad (B120), roast beef and salsa verde (B280), chicken and chorizo sandwich (B190) and roast beef and gorgonzola sandwich (B180). Note: order at least one day prior to delivery (Mon-Fri). Delivery fee B50-65. Dharath Hoonchamlong
This elegant and spacious restaurant has a striking position on the second floor of Groove overlooking the BTS and an equally striking American hunting lodge-style decor—from stuffed animals, including an impressive grizzly bear, to the etchings of hunters. The food focuses on classic Western dishes like pasta and steak, backed up by a creative drink list that includes craft beers. The highlight is the recreation of boyscouts' favorite DIY treat, the s’mores set (B320) plus grown-up dishes like the wagyu steak for two (B2,500), grilled sable fish (B620) and barbecue ribs (B450/850).
Exclusive privileges for Citibank credit cardmembers. Get 10% discount on food only (Today – 30 Sep 15)
To redeem your favorite dining vouchers, please visit www.citirewards.com. Simply click “Thailand” and then “Gift voucher”
BK Magazine Friday, May 1, 2015
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bites & blends market + Events
Happy Hours
Comptoir Eiffel
It’s Hippie*Happy Weekend Market A pop-up flea market with a riverfront bar by Hennessey and Ohsnap. May 1-3, 4pm-midnight. Canapaya Riverfront, 888 Rama 3 Rd.
Yalumba Wine Dinner A five-course dinner paired with South Australian Yalumba wines at B3,600/ person on May 7 from 6 pm at Park Society. Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-624-0000. MRT Lumphini
Degustation Dinner with Jura wines Comptoir Eiffel holds a five-course degustation dinner with Jura wine pairing at B2,000 on May 3. Reservations at machielscholten@yahoo.com 110/1 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-259-3033. MRT Sukhumvit
Johnny Spitz Featuring Adam Gorecki On Mon-Sat throughout May 5-16 from 7-11pm, Australian artists Johnny Spitz and Adam Gorecki perform at Novotel Bangkok Ploenchit’s beer garden.
Woobar
Pick Your Night Woobar rolls out a 20-percent-discount on different alcohol each day of the week—wine and Champagne bottles on Mon, vodka bottles on Tue, iconic gin & tonic cocktails on Wed, margaritas on Thu and whiskey bottles on Fri. On weekends, get one free sparkling wine bottle when spending B6,000. Apr 1-Jun 30 W Bangkok, 106 North Sathorn Rd., 02-3444000. BTS Chong Nonsi
Gentlemen’s Night Every Thursday from 7-9pm, guys get free-flow Carlsberg at B450/person at Hi-So. Sofitel So Bangkok, 2 Sathorn Rd., 02-6240000. MRT Lumphini
Advertise your business with us starting from B6,000
Email sales@asia-city.co.th or call 026249601
New Venues Cuba Libre Bangkok’s first Cuban restaurant has opened in the heart of Phloen Chit. 888/57, Mahatun Plaza, Phloen Chit Rd., 02-651-5657. BTS Phloen Chit
566 Phloenchit Rd., 02-305-600. BTS Phloen Chit
Hero Food and Gathering A restaurant with food related to your favorite Marvel and DC comic heroes.
Deals
71 Sukhumvit Soi 4, 098-940-4434. BTS Nana
Up & Above
Anniversary Celebrations Three-for-two for lunch (B1,200) and weekend brunch (B2,300-3,000) at Up & Above, set lunch at Elements (B910) from May 1-30. BTS Phloen Chit The Okura Prestige Bangkok, 57 Wireless Rd., 02-687-9000.
Catunambu
Catunambu A new cafe from the 118-year-old Spanish coffee brand. Yada Building, 56 Silom Rd., 02-236-3122. BTS Sala Daeng
Kisso
World of Salmon Sunday Lunch Kisso gives a 30-percent discount on all its salmon dishes every Sunday noon-2:30pm. BTS Asok Westin Grande, 259 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-207-8032.
Medinii Every day from 6-10pm, enjoy freeflow pasta and pizza, one main course and one dessert with free-flow selected drinks at B999. Reservations required.
Missed the guide? Visit BKmagazine.com/TopTables
Baan Puen
Baan Puen An affordable rooftop bar in Ekkamai with a very homey feel. 3/F, Ekamai Mall, Ekkamai Soi 10, 061-8241747
Barcelona Gaudi A restaurant specializing in Catalan cuisine with a B100 lunch paella special. Le Premier 1 Condominium, Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-661-7410. MRT Sukhumvit
The Continent, 413 Sukhumvit Rd., 02-686-7000. BTS Asok
THE EASIEST WAY TO BOOK YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS 24
Find out more at www.chope.co/toptables
BK Magazine Friday, May 1, 2015
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now MON Young Hands The Embassy of Italy and Sala Sudasiri Sobha join hands in welcoming Christian Leotta in Bangkok this week. The Italian is best known as the youngest pianist to perform and record all 32 of Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas, which he did at the age of 22. He’ll be playing the entire program across six free charity concerts, starting this May 4. See MUSIC, page 26.
SAT Cat Attack This May 2, Cat Radio presents Cat to the Future brings together eight big names from the early days of Thailand’s local alternative music scene. Head to Impact Arena Exhibition Hall 2 as Futon, Proud, 2 Days Ago Kids and Kidnappers try to prove they still have it. See HOTTEST SHOWS IN MAY, page 27.
WED Boys are Back
FRI Hippie Hooray
The ultimate 90s revival hits home this May 6 with Backstreet Boys In a World Like This Tour. As the boys aren’t getting any younger (see our interview with Brian Littrell, page 26), we’re not quite sure they’ll be around for another world tour—so grab those tickets. And even if you can’t stand them, you’ve still got a massive lineup to look forward to this month. See HOTTEST SHOWS IN MAY, page 27.
Fans of the Great Outdoor Market won’t want to miss out on this week’s It’s Hippie*Happy Weekend Market at Canapaya the Riverfront, taking place on May 1-3. Shoppers can stroll through six zones of bohemian-style stalls offering food, fashion and fortune-telling, or just chill by the Hennessy bar as the sun sets over the Chao Phraya River.
THU A Copy of a Copy
SUN Architects Unite Architect Expo 2015: The 29th ASEAN Largest Building Technology Exposition at Impact Arena runs through May 3, and showcases innovations, technologies, products and services in the construction sector of the AEC by 700 exhibitors, with seminars and forums by international keynote speakers.
SUN Golden Drama This is the last week to see some live ranad ekk music duels on stage at the brand new Siam Pikanet Theater. Homrong The Musical (The Overture) is an adaptation of the popular Thai musical-drama film which follows the life of Thai palace musician Sorn through the golden age and the decline of Thai classical music. Runs through May 3.
We’re moving from the outside lawn to the gallery of The Jam Factory this week for the launch of An Original by the Originals, a new contemporary exhibition by 12 Bangkok artists who have come together to create 24 unique screenprint designs. It officially opens this May 7, but there will also be different workshops running every Saturday by The Archivist studio for the rest of the month. See ART, page 28.
MON Oh Baby Tickets to see the number one local mime group Baby Mime perform in celebration of its 10th anniversary are still available at www.showbooking.com and Happening Shop at the BACC (3/F). Baby (no) Mime takes place at Pridi Banomyong Institute through May 4, with an extra matinee round on Sat-Sun.
THU Clash of the Comics Bangkok Comic Con 2015 x Anime Festival promises to double in size this year, bringing together hundreds of booths selling collectibles, merchandise from DC and Marvel and holding activities and performances across four days, from Apr 30-May 3, at BITEC. Entry is B300.
BK Magazine Friday, May 1, 2015
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now Salotto Musicale BKK
SCENE STEALER Backstreet Boys
Italian lutenist/guitarist Jacopo Gianninoto, local violinist Athiya Voravijitrapun and Japanese guest singer Ayano Kimura perform rare musical pieces from the baroque period. The show features a collaboration with Thai fashion designers Vvon Sugunnasil and Nasha Mekraksavanic to complete the "Salon" musical experience. B300 for students and members. May 9, 8pm. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd., 02-233-1731. B500.
Hikotaro Yazaki
CLASSICAL MUSIC New Zurich Orchestra's Concert It’s been almost 10 years since their last concert in Bangkok. Here, BK talks to Brian Littrell (second right) from one of the biggest American boy bands from the 90s, just ahead of their In a World Like This Tour on May 6 at Impact Arena. Boy band music today is pretty good. I feel like we played a big part in setting the bar for others. It takes a lot of work to have a lot of success. I wish One Direction danced a little more, but I guess that’s the new boy band today. I think they’re great though—they have lots of great songs.
We have a lot of memorable moments together. When we got our first gold record in Germany… when we were the first artist in history to sell over a million records in one week… We got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. I was just recently inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, along with Kevin. It’s just the love of music that’s been keeping us together. We’ve been through a lot in our career, but making music for our fans still remains such a wonderful thing after all these years. We’ve sold over 140 million albums in our career, and that’s pretty cool.
“As Long As You Love Me” is my all-time favorite song by us. But Richard Marx’s “Right Here Waiting” is my favorite karaoke song. It feels great singing hits from 20 years ago. I feel our music has stood the test of time, and we’ve shared a lot of memories with our fans over the years.
The institute's pianist Nardvadee Suthisomboon and flutist Philip Jundt perform a program of Handel, Haydn, Rodrigo and Tchaikovsky. Conducted by Martin Studer. May 2, 6pm. Princess Galyani Vadhana Institute of Music, 2010 Arun Amarin 36, 02-447-8597. Free.
Yazaki Conducts SSMS Orchestra Students from Silpakorn Summer Music School perform a program of Beethoven, Hinesmith and Koussevitzsky, conducted by guest conductor Hikotaro Yazaki from Japan. Doors open 30 minutes before the show. May 3, 5pm. Mahisorn Hall, Room 18-19, 4/F, SCB Park Plaza, New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-937-5400. B100-600 from Thaiticketmajor.
When we finish this tour, it will be back to the drawing board. We plan to be back in the studio around late summer/early fall. We are really excited about the next 22 years in the future. Backstreet’s always going to be back!
Show Your Attitude Vol. 9 Live performances by Japan's Taiki Hatazaki and Life Garden, plus local groups Free Typewriter, The Ginkz, Handicat and LowFat at the rock-focused live music venue. May 8, 7:30pm. Immortal Bar, 6 Soi Bun Chu Si, 086-707-1749. B150.
Sound Craft: The Socialist Local indie groups Fwends, Safeplanet, Two Pills After Meal and Summer Dress play at the hip Lad Phrao bar. May 9, 8pm. Play Yard by Studio Bar, Lad Phrao Soi 8, 081-173-3616. Price TBA. MRT Phahon Yothin.
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Christoph Hartmann, solo oboist from the Berlin Philharmonic, performs with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra in a program of Italian composers. The performance will be conducted by Gudni A. Emilsson. Pre-concert talk 45 minutes before the show. B100 for undergraduate students. May 8, 7pm; May 9-8, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500.
Interview by Lily Kittisrikangwan
The Canadian trumpet soloist, recently named "International Brass Personality of the Year," returns to Bangkok to perform two shows with the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Caude Villaret. He will also be running a master class for Thai students on May 21 from 1pm-3pm at the College of Music, Mahidol University. B100 tickets for students. May 22, 7pm; May 23, 4pm. Prince Mahidol Hall, Mahidol University (Salaya Campus), 25/25 Buddhamonthon Sai 4 Rd. B300-500 from Thaiticketmajor.
Funky Freeland: Studio 54 - Bert Bevans
Show Your Attitude Vol. 9
A live experimental and improv electronic music night, featuring Tri Minh from Hanoi, Nannue Tipitier from Samut Prakarn, ZKIII from Manchester and Space360 from Chiang Mai. May 1, 7pm. Jam, 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 083-5451-833. B200 (one free drink). BTS Surasak.
The Paganini of the Oboe
Jens Lindemann with TPO
The British-Indian producer plays his fusion mixes with support by DJ Xunny Dey. May 8, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39/F, Sathorn Square, 98 Sathorn, 02-108-2000. B1,300 (one free drink). BTS Chong Nonsi.
Mayday Tag Der Arbeit Party in Bangkok
Incomplete
Dubbed one of the best Beethoven soloists of our time, the award-winning pianist who first performed in Bangkok last year returns with a series of performances, taking the audience through over 20 of Beethoven's Piano Sonatas. In collaboration with The Embassy of Italy. Cocktail reception at 6:30pm. May 4, 7, 11, 14, 18, 21, 7:30pm. Sala Sudasiri Sobha, Lad Phrao Soi 41, 02-541-8662. Free (donations accepted).
Leading musicians from the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra Siripong Tiptan (violin), Omporn Kowintha (violin), Miti Wisutthumporn (viola) and Apichai Leamthong (cello) join forces with famed pianist and founder of Sunrise String Orchestra Usa Napawan in a program of Brahms and Dvorak. B300 for students. Reservations at 02-256-9938. May 9, 8pm. Goethe Institute Auditorium, 18/1 Soi 1, 02-108-8200. B600.
Bally Sagoo @ Ku De Ta
DJS & CLUBS
GIGS IN BARS
Complete Beethoven's Piano Sonatas by Christian Leotta
Bangkok String Quartet and Friends Concert 1
Jetlab: Nap On Green and Lean On Grass A mini party for the launch of indie group Nap A Lean's first EP, with chill music and drinks in a garden atmosphere. May 16, 3pm. The 66 Cottage, 66 Sukhumvit Soi 66, 086-895-0202. Free. BTS Udom Suk.
Johnny Spitz Featuring Adam Gorecki Australian vocalist/guitarist Johnny Spitz returns to Dee Lounge Beer Garden, with the support of guitarist Adam Gorecki to entertain the guests with easy-listening acoustic sounds. Daily happy hour with daught beer at B89 from 4pm-6pm. May 5-16, 7pm. Novotel Ploenchit Sukhumvit, 566 Phloen Chit Rd., 02-305-6000. Free. BTS Phloen Chit.
Celebrate Labor Day at this techno dance party with DJs Messie Joe, Yoshiharu Imada, Jessie, Gareth Owen and Damon Rider at the new Ratchada bar. Early bird tickets before 10pm at B200. Limited to 150 guests, with free open bar from 9-10pm. May 1, 9pm. Mustache Bar, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 083-016-9033. B350 (one free drink).
All of Us @ Mustache Four acoustic bands, Earthcollide, All Female All Stars, Jennifer Lackgren & The Scallywags and Wasabi Bytes, take the stage in celebration of Australian singer-songwriter Gabriel Lynch's new album All of Us. The headline artist takes the stage at 10pm. May 2, 7pm. Mustache Bar, 544/5 Ratchadaphisek Soi 7, 083016-9033.
Ku De Ta Presents Gorillaz Soundsystem Remi Kabaka, percussionist of the wellknown British virtual band, debuts in Bangkok with a new visual showcase. Free entry with dinner bookings at on-site
restaurants Signature or Izakaya. Reservations at reservation-bkk@kudeta.com. May 2, 9pm. Ku Bar (Ku De Ta), 39/F, Sathorn Square, 98 Sathorn, 02-108-2000. B500 (one free drink). BTS Chong Nonsi.
We Love EDM Epic Entertainment hosts a monthly EDM networking party at the new RCA venue, featuring local DJs, heavy light and sound systems, lasers and confetti. Open bar from 9-10pm. May 2, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-8600808. B300.
John Morales (NYC) at The Vault The New York disco DJ, who rose to fame in the 80s and is known for his Deadly Medleys and MM (Morales and Munzibai) Mixes, performs a special gig at the new Suk 11 club. May 2, 9:30pm. The Vault, 34 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 082-308-3246. B500 (one free drink). BTS Nana.
Underground Circus: 5 Year Anniversary The party crew celebrates its anniversary with music by resident DJs Sunju Hargun, Dan Buri and Boris Rubin. May 2, 10pm. Glow, 96/4-5 Sukhumvit Soi 23, 02-2613007, 02-261-4446. B350 (one free drink). MRT Sukhumvit.
A rooftop charity party for counter-trafficking organization Freeland Foundation, with music provided by Bert Bevans and resident DJs Luck-E and Jaydubb plus live sax by Andre Saxman Brown. Tickets available at the door. May 9, 9pm. Above Eleven, 33/F, Fraser Suites Sukhumvit, 38/8 Sukhumvit Soi 11, 083-542-1111. B600 (one free drink). BTS Nana.
Trasher "Super Bad Taste" After a mega successful rave at Siam Center, Bangkok's favorite guilty-pleasure, gay party organizer hosts its annual "Bad Taste" party to celebrate the cheesiest pop dance tunes from the Pussycat Dolls to Taylor Swift, plus the usual Beyonce. May 9, 9:30pm. The Mansion, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 083-016-9033. B300 (one free drink).
Bangkok Boat Party Board the boat at Sathorn Pier for a party on the top deck. DJ lineup TBA. Tickets available now at www.bangkokboatparty. com or 081-887-1032. May 16, 8:30pm. Sathorn Pier. B800 -1,200 (one free drink). BTS Saphan Taksin.
Paris Blohm at Live RCA After a successful debut in Bangkok last year, the LA DJ is back for a gig at the new RCA venue. Tickets available at the door. May 16, 9pm. Live RCA Bangkok, RCA, Rama 9 Rd., 086-860-0808.
Get all the latest events and restaurant openings from BK Magazine in real time with BK Now
BK Magazine Friday, May 1, 2015
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CONCERTS The Hottest Shows in May Plan wisely as this could be your most expensive month of 2015, with big concerts happening virtually every week.
Cat to the Future
Katy Perry
DJ Martin Garrix
EDM Fests I AM HARDWELL/TOGETHER FESTIVAL
FULLMOON PARTY LIVE IN BANGKOK 2015
Dates: May 8-9, 7pm Price: B3,100-B6,000 Why you should go: DJ Mag anointed him #1 DJ in the world. The fact that he’s supported by Steve Aoki, W&W, Dyro and Vinai across the two-day fest is a mega bonus.
Dates: May 15, 6:30pm Price: B999 (pre-sale) Why you should go: DJ Martin Garrix is the guy behind the club smash “Animals.” It’s also a neon party with lots of pretty Zaap party girls.
BITEC, 88 Bangna-Trat Rd., 02-366-9797. BTS Asiatique the Riverfront, 2194 Charoenkrung Rd. Bang Na BTS Saphan Taksin (free ferry from Sathorn Pier)
International Concerts THE SCRIPT
Dates: May 8, 8:30pm Price: B1,000-B,3000 Why you should go: It’s the Bangkok debut of the rising Irish pop-rock band behind radio hits like “Superheroes” and “No Good in Goodbye.” If you’re a fan of The Voice UK, the vocalist is Danny O'Donoghue. Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455
Why you should go: They’re the five guys responsible for some of the biggest guilty-pleasure tunes from the 90s. Nick Carter’s no longer cute, but you can still sing along to all their hits. Check out our interview with Brian, page 26. Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455
BOYZONE BZ20 THE ANNIVERSARY TOUR
Dates: May 24, 8pm Price: B1,200-5,000 KATY PERRY THE PRISMATIC TOUR Why you should go: The 90s are well and Dates: May 14, 7pm truly hot and you want to see Ronan KeatPrice: B2,000-6,500 Why you should go: Katy Perry’s argu- ing (and those other guys) relive their heyably this generation’s queen of pop. If you day. know all the words to tracks like “Last Friday Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455 Night” and “Roar,” we hope you snagged a WE CAME AS ROMANS ticket before it completely sold out. Dates: May 25, 9pm Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455 Price: B900 BACKSTREET BOYS IN A WORLD LIKE THIS Why you should go: The Detroit metal-core TOUR rockers make a refreshing change from the Dates: May 6, 8pm pop-heavy lineup of May. Price: B1,800-5,000 Live House Studio, JJ Green, MRT Kampaengphet
Thai Concerts CAT RADIO PRESENTS CAT TO THE FUTURE
Dates: May 2, 6pm Price: B1,500 Why you should go: This is a reunion concert by some of the hippest local groups back in the day like Futon, Proud, 2 Days Ago Kids and Ornaree. You won’t have to cram into a small indie music venue, either. Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455
BANDS ON THE RUN CONCERT SERIES 2015
first of an ongoing series which features Crescendo and Tattoo Colour. Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455.
100 PLUS PRESENTS BODYSLAM 13
Dates: May 31, 6pm Price: B1,200-2,000 Why you should go: Relive 13 years of Bodyslam’s work at the concert that should’ve happened last year before all the ticketing chaos.
Dates: May 9, 7pm Impact Arena, 99 Popular Rd., 02-833-4455 Price: B1,000-2,800 Why you should go: You’ll get to see mainstream local groups battle it out. This is the BK Magazine Friday, May 1, 2015
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now COMEDY Word Play
ART
Spoken word takes center stage this week with poetry readings and stand-up nights happening across town.
Opening AMY DIENER PRESENTS CULTURAL COLORS OF THE CAPITAL
The New York artist’s vibrant portrait paintings of Bangkok people and scenes move to a new gallery this month. Food and drink available for purchase at the opening party on May 1 from 7pm. Runs through May 15 Attic Studios, 45/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, 02-662-0224. BTS Phrom Phong
AN ORIGINAL BY THE ORIGINALS BY THE ARCHIVIST
The Bangkok-based screen printing studio introduces screen prints by 12 local artists including Santi Lawrachawee (Practical Design Studio), Jackkrit Anantakul (Hello I am JK), Pimm Chongcharoen (Teaspoon Studio) and Vuttiphong Mahasamut (Free Typewriter). Opens on May 7 at 6pm. Runs through Jun 6 The Jam Factory, 41/1-5 Charoennakorn Rd.
REGULAR: COMEDY NIGHT AT OVERGROUND
SPECIAL: ONE NIGHT ONLY: ARI SHAFFIR LIVE IN BANGKOK
ONE-OFF: RETURN OF BANGKOK POETRY + BOMBYX STORIES
The Bangkok Hilarious crew is hosting its monthly comedy night this May 2. Expect eight live shows by Bangkok-based talents, kicking off at 8pm, plus music by the usual resident DJ Rory Breaker-Morant. Tickets are B250 each, available at the door with special buy four-get-one-free entry promotions. More information at bangkokhilarious@outlook.com.
In a change from the usual Friday night open mic nights, the Royal Oak pub’s Comedy Club welcomes Ari Shaffir, the LA-based stand-up comic and the host of Comedy Central’s This is Not Happening, on May 5. B500 presale tickets available at the Royal Oak and comedyclubbangkok.com, otherwise it’ll be B750 at the door on the night.
The Overground Bar & Cafe, 6/1 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 081-701-7664. B250
The Comedy Club Bangkok, The Royal Oak Pub, 595/10 Sukhumvit Soi 33/1, 02-6621650. B750. BTS Phrom Phong
It looks to be another big night at the Thonglor gallery/bar this May 7 as the story-telling crew returns for an intimate event that includes poetry and stories. The stage is open for six Bangkok poets and four bombyxes (unique true stories)—if you think you’ve got what it takes, contact bangkokpoetry@gmail.com to secure a spot. There’s no theme to the readings, but there will be specially themed Bacardi cocktails. WTF Gallery & Café, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51, 02-662-6246. Free. BTS Thong Lo
Portobello Market By Singha
RELATIONSHIT—SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS
Thai illustrator Nicha Jaroensuk produces quirky artwork of cartoon-style characters with animal heads, portraying negative aspects of romantic relationships. Opens on May 7 at 7pm at the bike-friendly cafe. Runs through Jun 30 2/F, Dialogue Gallery and Cafe, 533 Phra Sumen Rd., 084-754-8799
The team behind K-Village's Urban Eatery hosts a cute market at the English vintage-themed community mall, with stalls selling handicrafts, DIY products, stationery, jewelry, home decor, fashion amd organic food. There will also be the usual food trucks plus live music by Room 39 and the Parkinsons. May 8-10, 4pm. Pickadaily Bangkok, Sukhumvit Soi 77. Free.
Closing BUILD YOUR OWN BANGKOK
Kathy MacLeod’s large-scale drawings in which she maps out Bangkok as a series of eco-systems, each with its own unique inhabitants. Special closing party activities are: creating your own scene on the magnet board, an auction for the Chinatown painting, an art therapy booth and a preview of the artist’s That’s What She Said book, which compiles her comic strips for BK Magazine into a single volume. Runs through May 3 WTF Gallery & Cafe, 7 Sukhumvit Soi 51. BTS Thong Lo
ART HIGHTLIGHT Fall of Phnom Penh
Portobello Market By Singha
MARKETS & FAIRS Indy Market x Food Truck Expect a caravan of food trucks including Food Stop, Orn the Road and Mighty Wings BKK, plus over 100 shops selling hip fashion items, handmade products and accessories. There will also be a mini concert by Hope the Flowers, Public Mansion and Hariguem Zaboy, taking place in front of the mall on the G and M floors. May 1-3, 3pm. Gateway Ekamai. 982/22 Sukhumvit Rd. BTS Ekkamai. Free.
International Bangkok Bike 2015 The year's first fair of its kind presents bike accessories and fashion items, as well as bike service providers. Special activities include an indoor bike park for cycling tests, exclusive bike parking and a bike clinic for consultations. Through May 3, 10am. Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, 99 Popular Rd., 02-8334455.
Wonderful Thailand Wonderful World 2015 The annual fair to promote Thai tourism on weekdays offers tours at discounted rates and promotions from leading hotels, resorts, cruises and flights. May 14-17, 10am. Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, 60 New Ratchadapisek Rd., 02-229- 3000. Free. MRT Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre.
BREAKING NEWS
Last April marks the 40th year since the fall of the Cambodian capital, and the rise of the Khmer Rouge regime, the Communist Party of Kampuchea led by Pol Pot, which ruled the country from 1975 to 1979. Under the deadly regime, almost two million Cambodians died from arbitrary executions, starvation due to the regime's attempt to create an agrarian-based communist society, and sickness from treatable diseases like malaria, in just under four years. This was nearly a quarter of the country's population. French photo-reporter Roland Neveu was one of the few who recorded images of the darkest days in Cambodia's history. Runs through May 24 Soy Sauce Factory, 11/1 Charoenkrung Soi 24, 081-301-2669. MRT Hua Lamphong
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ALL RISE
TALKS
FOURTH RUN
This Jun 13 sees Blue Live in Bangkok 2015, the boy band's first visit in 10 years. Confirmed to take place at Impact Arena, tickets are B2,000-B5,500 with some VVIP packages at B6,500, available on Thaiticketmajor from May 1. There are fewer than 3,000 tickets and there are a lot of 90s girls (and gay guys) out there that cannot wait to see the return of their favorite idols. Act fast.
Also set to take place this Jun 13 is TEDx Bangkok at Aksra Theater from 8am-6pm under the theme “Catching the Ripple.” The speaker lineup at this Bangkok edition will only be announced on the day, which makes it a bit of a leap of faith since you must not only apply online for a ticket but also fork out B1,500 if you’re deemed worthy of attending. The speakers are Thai and live translation is available. Book at www.tedxbangkok.net.
Thai fans went wild on social media as Maroon 5 posted on Twitter on the last day of Songkran that they will be coming to Bangkok for a fourth time at Impact Arena this Sep 21. Now that’s a Monday but we think it’s going to be another sell-out concert based on their previous record here. BEC-Tero has already confirmed that tickets for Maroon 5 World Tour Live in Bangkok will become available on May 16, through Thaiticketmajor.
King Power Complex, 8/1 Rangnam Rd., 02-677-8888. BTS Victory Monument
Impact Arena, Popular Rd., 02-833-4455
Impact Arena, Popular Rd., 02-833-4455
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now FILM Opening
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): eBay is a multi-billion-dollar e-commerce business that has been around for almost 20 years. But it had an inauspicious beginning. The first item ever sold on the service was a broken laser pointer. Even though the laser pointer didn’t work, and the seller informed the buyer it didn’t work, it brought in $14.83. This story might be a useful metaphor for your imminent future, Taurus. While I have faith in the long-term trends you will soon be setting in motion, your initial steps may be a bit iffy.
POSTCARD FROM NOWHERE (THAI) Romance. A man obsessed with analog
THE LAST FIVE YEARS (USA) Romance. This adaptation of the stage mu-
photography always turns his photographs into postcards waiting for a chance to send them to someone special. One day he decides to sell them to a woman destined to be his true love. May 7
sical follows the five-year-long relationship between aspiring writer Jamie Wellerstein (Jereme Jordan) and stage performer Cathy Hiatt (Anna Kendrick). May 7
PARASYTE: PART 1 (JAPAN) Mystery. A teenage boy forms a symbiotic relationship with an alien invader after it accidentally burrows into his hand. May 7
KIDNAPPING MR. HEINEKEN (USA) Crime. Based on the true story of the kidnapping of beer mogul Freddy Heineken, which resulted in the largest ransom ever paid for an individual. Limited screening at House RCA and APEX Siam Square. May 7
FILM
now showing
Woman in Gold (USA) HHHHH
Avengers: Age of Ultron (USA) HHHHH Action. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) and the Avengers must stop the villainous Ultron’s terrible plan to wipe out humanity.
St. Vincent (USA) HHHHH Comedy. A hedonistic war veteran (Bill Murray) forms an unlikely friendship with a boy who lives next door whose parents have just divorced. Also stars Naomi Watts and Melissa McCarthy.
Furious 7 (USA) HHHHH Action. Dominic Toretto’s (Vin Diesel) life is shaken up by the appearance of Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), a highly skilled assassin seeking revenge for the death of his brother. Also starring Tony Jaa and the late Paul Walker.
The Age of Adaline (USA) HHHHH Drama. After eight decades of solitude, the ageless Adaline (Blake Lively) finds herself attracted to the charismatic philanthropist Ellis Jones (Michiel Huisman), who ignites her passion for life and romance once again.
Drama. An elderly Jewish survivor of World War II (Helen Mirren) goes on a mission to reclaim a painting from the Austrian government which she believes rightfully belongs to her family.
Free screenings Alliance Française Movies are subtitled in English and screened at 7pm. May 5. Tirez La Langue, Mademoiselle (Miss and the Doctors): A drama/comedy film by Axelle Ropert about brother doctors Boris and Dimitri working in Paris’s Chinese quarter. Their life is devoted to medical principle until one day the arrival of an attractive young diabetic patient named Judith shakes their world. 179 Witthayu (Wireless) Rd., 02-670-4200.
Jam Every Wednesday night is Cult Movie Night. Screenings start from 8pm, visit www.fb.com/ JAMCAFEBKKfor schedule. 41 Charoen Rat Soi 1, 089-889-8059. BTS Surasak. Open Tue-Sun 6pm-midnight.
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GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): Poetically speaking, it’s time to purify your world of all insanities, profanities, and inanities. It’s a perfect moment for that once-in-ablue-moon Scour-a-Thon, when you have a mandate to purge all clunkiness, junkiness, and gunkiness. And as you flush away the unease of your hypocrisies, remember that evil is allergic to laughter. Humor is one of the most effective psychospiritual cleansers ever. CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): I was in the checkout line at Whole Foods. The shopper ahead me had piled her groceries on the conveyor belt, and it was her turn to be rung up. “How are you doing?” she said cheerfully to the cashier, a crabby-looking hipster whom I happened to know is a Cancerian poet and lead singer in a local rock band. “Oh, I am living my dream,” he replied. I guessed he was being sarcastic, although I didn’t know for sure. In any case, I had a flash of intuition that his answer should be your mantra in the coming weeks. It’s time to redouble your commitment to living your dream! LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): As I awoke this morning, I remembered the dream I’d just had. In the dream, I had written a horoscope for you. Here’s what it said: “The Kentucky Derby is a famous horse race that takes place on the first Saturday of every May. It’s called ‘The Run for the Roses’ because one of the prizes is a garland of 554 roses. I suspect that your life may soon bring you an odd treasure like that, Leo. Will it be a good thing, or too much of a good thing? Beautiful or a bit ridiculous? The answers to those questions may depend in part on your willingness to adjust your expectations.” VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Don’t retreat into your sanctuary and relax into protective comfort. If you have faith and remain committed to the messy experiment you have stirred up, the stress and agitation you’re dealing with will ripen into vitality and excitement. I’m not exaggerating, my dear explorer. You’re on the verge of tapping into the catalytic beauty and rejuvenating truth that lurk beneath the frustration. You’re close to unlocking the deeper ambitions that are trapped inside the surface-level wishes. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): American author Stephen Crane wrote his celebrated Civil War novel The Red Badge of Courage in 10 days. Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky produced his novel The Gambler in 16 days. On the other hand, Junot Díaz, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his novel The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, needed ten years to finish it. As for you, Libra, I think this is a phase more like Díaz’s than the other three creators’. Go slowly. What you’re working on can’t be rushed. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): In her book A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman describes a medieval knight who asked his lady for a strand of her pubic hair: a symbol of her life force. The lady agreed. He placed the talisman in a locket that he wore around his neck, confident that it
would protect him and consecrate him in the course of the rough adventures ahead. I recommend that you consider a similar tack in the coming weeks, Scorpio. As you head toward your turning point, arm yourself with a personal blessing from someone you love. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): “An escalator can never break,” mused comedian Mitch Hedberg. “It can only become stairs.” I think a similar principle applies to you, Sagittarius. If we were to try to evaluate your current situation with conventional wisdom, we might say that part of your usual array of capacities is not functioning at its usual level. But if we adopted a perspective like Hedberg’s, we could rightly say that this part of you is simply serving its purpose in a different way. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): I’ve got a tough assignment for you: Learn to be totally at home with your body. Figure out what you need to do to feel unconditional love for your physical form. To get started, practice feeling compassion for your so-called imperfections. I also suggest you cast a love spell on yourself every night, using a red candle, a mirror, and your favorite creamy beverage. It may also help to go down to the playground and swing on the swings, make loud animal sounds, or engage in unusually uninhibited sex. Do you have any other ideas? AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): When Aquarian media mogul Oprah Winfrey was born, “Oprah” was not what she was called. Her birth certificate says she is “Orpah,” a name her aunt borrowed from a character who appears in the biblical Book of Ruth. As Oprah grew up, her friends and relatives had trouble pronouncing “Orpah,” and often turned it into “Oprah.” The distorted form eventually stuck. For you Aquarians, it’s a favorable time to investigate original intentions or explore primal meanings. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): What I propose is that you scan your memories and identify everyone who has ever tried to limit your options or dampen your enthusiasm. Take a piece of paper and write down a list of the times someone made a prediction about what you will supposedly never be capable of. Once you’ve compiled your list, burn that piece of paper and declare yourself exempt from their curses. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Chris Money maker was employed as an accountant in Tennessee. On a whim, he paid $39 to enter an online poker tournament. Although he knew a lot about the game, he had never competed professionally. Nevertheless, he won the tournament. As his award, he received no money, but rather an invitation to participate in the annual World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Can you guess the storybook ending? The rookie triumphed over 838 pros, taking home $2.5 million. I don’t foresee anything quite as spectacular for you, Aries, but there may be similar elements in your saga. You could generate luck for yourself by ramping up a skill that has until now been a hobby.
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A n g h i n A rc h i t e c t u re . Bangkok-based designer, architect and interior architect with experience in residential and commercial projects, handling both design and project oversight. At Anghin Architecture, we believe simple, functional design is naturally elegant. Do you have a project? Contact us for a consultation and see our work at www.anghin. com. info@anghin.com. 089201-2692. 02-254-9327.
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last word
Tawitee Vajrabhaya Teparkum In 2004, starchitect Zaha Hadid became the first woman to win the illustrious Pritzker Prize. Here, things aren’t much better for female architects. But Tawitee Vajrabhaya Teparkum, 41, co-founder of the Department of Architecture Co., Ltd., is behind some of the most exciting projects in Thailand, whether it’s the dramatic Hilton Pattaya or the new TCDC headquarters on Charoenkrung. She shares with us her optimism for the architectural profession and her vision for TCDC. I became an architect right after graduating from university. It’s what I always wanted to do. I told my dad I wanted to become an architect when I was still in elementary school and held on to that dream ever since. Going to Europe in my fourth year of study was a really eye-opening experience. It was before the internet era, and what I saw completely blew my mind. Seeing those remarkable medieval hill towns in Northern Italy changed the way I think. It continues to power my creativity and imagination for each new project. It wasn’t the architecture itself that impressed me; it was the testament to human creativity. It proved that there are no limitations. If these historic towns can exist, there must be other things we are capable of building that we haven’t even imagined yet.
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I am a nerd. When I was studying, I never really had time to do anything else. I focused solely on architecture. When I graduated I worked at Metric Engineering, which had a small architectural section where I designed my first real project, Dining on The Rocks at the Six Senses Resort on Koh Samui. I got the feeling I’d found someone I can get along with. Amata Luphaiboon and I were working on Dining on the Rocks together and we got along really well, creatively. We had built up experience and a portfolio and decided to found the Department of Architecture in 2004. Architecture is a combination of science and art. It requires solutions to problems that have no right or wrong answer. Your solution just has to work. Ultimately, that design solution becomes your own unique characteristic; it’s what contains your hard work and your experience.
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Nature has its way of informing architecture. How we view nature is often what starts our tinkering on a project. In a tropical climate, you might respond to the sun by d e s i g n i n g a large awning , while another architect might keep the building cool with another solution.
I have never felt discriminated against
Renovations are challenging. Old buildings require us to find design solutions without disturbing their original charm. That was the challenge with the Grand Postal Building on Charoenkrung Road, where we’re building the new TCDC headquarters.
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9/F, THANIYA PLAZA BUILDING, THANIYA ROAD, SILOM (A 2-minute walk from Saladaeng BTS Station) Tel : 02 – 2312250
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I have never felt discriminated against by men in my profession. Everybody I’ve collaborated with has been very nice, never condescending or patronizing. The rea-
son why architecture seems to be a male-dominated career, I think, is because it’s a difficult job with long hours. Women, at a certain age, have to take care of their family. When they have kids they’re no longer able to focus solely on their career. Society has defined women’s role as staying at home, taking care of kids. For women, children must be the first priority. Still, I see more and more women entering the architectural profession. Women are going to play a key role. There is no rule forbidding women from expressing their ideas through architecture. Nothing is ever finished. Something may look as though it is complete, but it can always be changed or altered into something new. The important thing is to develop an instinct for when to stop designing. Interview by Sam Nathapong
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CLARK HATCH FITNESS CENTERS : HELPING PEOPLE IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH AND FITNESS SINCE 1980
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We saw the magnificent, majestic stairwell as the gateway to a space for collaboration and work. So we tore down the old partitions that used to be offices and which blocked the sunlight . It will be a very open space, connecting TCDC with the art galleries in that area and the road to the river. It creates links between different modes of transport in order to bring more people here and turn the area into a creative district.
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